Time has come for flextime

Republicans, often the party chided (and rightfully so) for being the party of "no," for being a party out of touch with the needs of American working families, for being the party that can offer little more than budget and tax cuts, passed a bill in the House last week with little fanfare that would give American workers the choice of receiving overtime pay or paid comp time.

The bill, Working Families Flexibility Act (HR 1406) passed the Republican-controlled House 223-204, and now moves on to the Democratic-controlled Senate where its future is not so rosy.

The bill allows workers in the private sector to take advantage of the same "perks" those in the public sector have enjoyed for years: whether to receive paid time off or comp time for overtime hours worked. According to the bill's main sponsor, Rep. Martha Roby, R-Ala., no workers could be forced to take paid time off, just like no business owner would be forced to offer it. Overtime pay has been a hallmark of labor relations since the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. Some Democrats (most in the House voted against the bill) said the bill is an assault on 40-hour workweek, and it would allow employers to force workers to take time off.

Not so.

The bill retains all existing worker protections, including how overtime is accrued. The bill requires a written agreement between the employer and the employee, from which the employee can withdraw at any time. There's also a "cash out" provision that lets an employee receive in accrued comp time back in cash within 30 days.

It's no secret that many families are headed by two-income parents. And families of single breadwinners often have to work overtime to make ends meet. There's precious little time to take care of life's necessities such as car repairs, school plays, or doctor visits. That's where paid comp time can help, by giving workers the choice of time or cash.

Some Democrats argue the bill does not give workers a guarantee they can take the time off when they want. That condition largely exists in the workplace now. Employees must schedule vacation and personal days in advance with their employer.

After 75 years, it's time to modernize the compensation workers receive by giving them a voice. This bill isn't an assault on employees, nor does it protect business interests. This bill helps restore the work-life balance.

The irony that what's good for public employee (government) workers is not good enough for private sector workers should not be lost. Having a choice is always better than not having a choice, which is what American workers face today.

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Time has come for flextime

Republicans, often the party chided (and rightfully so) for being the party of 'no,' for being a party out of touch with the needs of American working families, for being the party that can offer